Updated - Government in 'initial contacts' on executive roles for Opposition MPs

The government has had initial contacts with Nationalist MPs to assess in what sectors the Opposition could contribute in executive roles, including government entities, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said this afternoon. He also revealed that the government is to move an amendment to Standing Orders so that the Leader of the House would not need to be a member of the Cabinet. The role is currently being filled by Deputy Prime Minister Louis Grech, but Dr Muscat said he would like a government backbencher to assume the role. The amendment will be moved next week after the Budget is approved. The role of the Leader of the House is to set the agenda of the House, in association with the House Business Committee. Dr Muscat, who made his comments during a courtesy call by outgoing Speaker Michael Frendo, said he would like the administration of Parliament to be completely autonomous (of the civil service) by the end of this legislature. He praised Dr Frendo for his proposal for the appointment of a parliamentary economy and finance committee as a forum for major economic players, something which is found in practically every country. He thanked Dr Frendo for the good working...